By CONOR GAFFEY  |  NEWSWEEK

Three months have passed since the leader of millions of Nigerian Shiite Muslims was dragged away from his followers after a bloody battle with soldiers.

Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, the leader of the Iranian-backed Islamic Movement in Nigeria, was arrested over the course of a few fateful days in Zaria, in northern Nigeria, when hundreds of his followers were killed in clashes with the Nigerian military. To the military, Zakzaky is a dangerous preacher and a threat to the integrity and unity of Nigeria. To his followers, he is a spiritual and political leader to whom they swear allegiance above all others.

Rumoured to have been shot six times during the clash, Zakzaky has been unreachable since January. He is currently believed to be in the custody of Nigeria’s intelligence agency, the State Security Service (DSS). “He’s held incommunicado so we cannot say whether he is recovering or what his status is now,” says Ibrahim Musa, the IMN’s media spokesman.

Zakzaky is just one of hundreds of IMN members to have gone off the radar since the events of December 12-14, 2015. At least 300 members of the country’s main Shiite movement were killed in violent clashes with Nigerian soldiers, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). HRW’s report alleged that the military dumped bodies in mass graves, making a definitive death toll difficult to ascertain. Gruesome images and footage emerged online purporting to back up these claims, including photos of a bloodstained Zakzaky (the IMN claims he was shot at least six times during the clashes). According to the Nigerian army, the clashes were the result of a failed assassination attempt on the Chief of Army Staff ordered by Zakzaky; according to the IMN, they were unprovoked attacks by armed soldiers on unarmed worshippers.

Musa says that 750 people remain missing after the clashes. “Out of this many [missing] people, how many are dead or alive, we cannot say, because since what happened in December to date, no single corpse has been handed over to us so that we can give it the proper burial service,” says Musa. A further 191 IMN members are currently being held at Kaduna’s central prison in northern Nigeria, from where they will stand trial on March 29, charged with illegal possession of firearms and causing a public disturbance. The trial, combined with the continued absence of its spiritual leader, is likely to incite further anger among a movement that Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has accused of trying to create “a state within a state.”

The Kaduna state government has launched a commission of inquiry into the events that took place in Zaria and Nigeria’s defense headquarters recently established a human rights committee to investigate all allegations of violations against the military. Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman previously toldNewsweek that soldiers “followed all necessary procedures” during the incident and that the military was not and would never target “Shiites or any ethnic or religious group.” Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, Nigeria’s defense spokesman, told Newsweek it would not be appropriate to comment on Zakzaky’s detention or the forthcoming trial before the Kaduna inquiry was complete, but did say that the military had submitted itself to investigation since “we have nothing to hide.”

Zakzaky trained in Iran and began propagating Shiite Islam in Nigeria around the time of the 1979 Iranian revolution, which saw the overthrow of the monarchy and its replacement with an Islamic republic. He spent nine years in prison during the 1980s and 1990s on charges of civil disobedience brought by successive military regimes in Nigeria. While Shiites make up a small minority of Nigeria’s Muslim population—estimated at 76 million or just under half of the total population—Zakzaky’s IMN has been on the rise since the 1980s, according to Atta Athanasius Barkindo, a PhD candidate at SOAS University, London who works with rehabilitating violent extremists in Nigeria. Barkindo says that the movement is dominant in Zaria, where it has its own army and education system and where it fails to recognize symbols of national identity, such as the Nigerian flag—adding weight to Buhari’s “state within a state” comments.

According to Musa, Zakzaky’s movement numbers anything between five million or 25 million members, all of whom are committed to establishing an Islamic system of governance in Nigeria. (HRW put the figure at a more modest three million.)  ”[Zakzaky] is really radical when it comes to implementing Shariah,” says Marc-Antoine Perouse de Montclos, associate fellow at Chatham House, who has met Zakzaky several times in the past. “He’s got the same kind of rhetoric as Mohammed Yusuf from Boko Haram, whereby Shariah is the law of God and cannot be implemented properly under a constitution written by the hands of man.”

Parallels between Zakzaky’s situation and that of Yusuf have been raised before. The Boko Haram founderwas also arrested following violent clashes between his Islamist movement and the state security apparatus—this time in Maiduguri, Borno state, in 2009. But, his detention followed a different path—Yusuf was killed in custody after the police claimed he tried to escape. His death pushed Boko Haram underground and into a more violent radicalism, which has seen the militant group claim tens of thousands of lives in northern Nigeria over the past six years. After the Zaria clashes, none less than Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the 20th Sultan of Sokoto—traditionally viewed as the highest seat of Islamic authority in Nigeria— warned that the violence of the military towards the Zakzaky’s group bore a striking resemblance to the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of that militant insurgency, which must “not be allowed to repeat itself.”

The key difference between Zakzaky and Yusuf is that the former has never advocated armed struggle as a means to achieve the establishment of Islamic rule in Nigeria, according to Perouse de Montclos. What is concerning, he says, is the lack of accountability for the Zaria clashes among the military. According to Perouse de Montclos, not one military officer has been disciplined so far as a result of the clashes. “Zakzaky [and the Zaria clashes], for me, was the first big political mistake of Buhari’s administration where he shows that he does not control the army,” he says.

Zakzaky’s movement has distanced itself from reports that it is planning a violent retaliation to the Zaria clashes. “For over 40 years, we have not been engaged in any violent acts. Whenever you hear of a clash between this movement and the security forces, it is the security forces who always come and attack us,” says Musa. Indeed, the December incident was not the first time the IMN has come into conflict with the Nigerian state: some 34 people were killed—including three of Zakzaky’s sons—when the movement clashed with military personnel during a July 2014 pro-Palestinian march in Zaria. But would the group’s espoused stance of nonviolence change should Zakzaky die in detention, as Yusuf did? “I cannot say this is what we will do,” says Musa. “I don’t like to think that it will reach that point, inshallah.”

Nigerian Vanguard

“Kachikwu’s flippancy was out-of-line. He was basically telling Nigerians that they should be lucky that they are getting the inadequate supply they now suffer… “

Apparently appalled by his seeming lack of empathy and manifest arrogance, a former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, lampooned Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State, Petroleum, for telling Nigerians that he “was not trained as a magician”, a reference to the lingering fuel scarcity that appears to be defying efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

Tinubu, who is not known for flippancy, wondered why a public servant would talk down on those he was meant to serve, charging: “Kachikwu’s flippancy was out-of-line. He was basically telling Nigerians that they should be lucky that they are getting the inadequate supply they now suffer and that they should just be quiet and endure the shortage for several weeks more”.

The ten paragraph statement, titled: “KACHIKWU NEEDS TO KNOW THAT RESPECT AND GOOD PERFORMANCE WILL DO WHAT MAGIC CANNOT”, dripping with venomous pillory, nevertheless, attempted to inspire hope that, whereas tough times were here, “we must all realize that they would be even harder and much darker would be the immediate horizon had we allowed the venal, kleptocracy of the PDP to continue to lord over the land solely for their selfish benefit and not for the common good.”

The APC leader went on: “I am confident that President Buhari and this government can resolve the issues that press us. From establishing full security and safety to staking a claim to true economic prosperity and fairness, this government shall salvage our national pride and purpose”.

Tinubu’s statement reads:

“1.The art of governance is difficult and complex, especially during trying times. The steep reduction in global oil prices from over 100 dollars per barrel to roughly 40 presents a hard challenge. We can no longer afford past practices. Nigeria now requires creative reform, materially changing the substance of national economic policy as well as the objectives of that policy and how the policy is presented to the people. Therein lies the essence of progressive democratic governance.

“2.The Buhari administration represents the last best hope we have to install such governance in Nigeria and avert the catastrophe that would have befallen us had the prior government remained in place. Had the nation continued with the spendthrift corruption and vagabond economic policies of that administration, we would have soon experienced such a collision with the harsh consequences of that government’s malign ways that our very institutions of government may have been distorted beyond fixture and repair.

“3.In this effort, there may be no economic matter more difficult to unravel and more sensitive to the purse of the average person than the current fuel scarcity. Even here I am confident of progress because I know the commitment of the president to resolving this matter. I make no attempt to hide it. I am an avid and partisan supporter of this government and of the progressive policies of the party, the APC, upon which this government is based.

“4. With that I do reserve the right and the duty as a Nigerian to voice my opinion when I believe a member of this government has strayed from the progressive calling required of this administration. I do this because my greater devotion and love are for this nation and its people. Party and politics fall secondary.

“5.Much public ire has been drawn to the statement made by minister of state Ibe kachikwu that he was not trained as a magician and that basically Nigerians should count themselves fortunate that the NNPC under his stewardship has been able to bring in the amount of petrol fuel it is currently doing.

“6.Perhaps the statement by Kachikwu was made in a moment of unguarded frustration or was an awkward attempt at a joke. Whatever the motive, it was untimely and off-putting. The remark did not sit well with the Nigerian people; they were as right to feel insulted as the Minister was wrong to have said such a thing. The fuel shortage is severely biting for the average person. They are forced to remain in lines far too long, for too much time, to pay too much money for too little fuel. This is no joking matter. Livelihoods and people’s welfare are at stake. With so much on the line, Kachikwu’s flippancy was out-of-line. He was basically telling Nigerians that they should be lucky that they are getting the inadequate supply they now suffer and that they should just be quiet and endure the shortage for several weeks more.

“7.Kachikwu’s intervention was unhelpful. It panicked and disappointed the public as to the duration of the crisis. It insulted the people by its tonality. He spoke with the imperious nature of a

member of the elitist government the people voted out last year and not the progressive one they voted in. Kachikwu must be reminded that he was not coerced to take this job. He accepted the job and its responsibilities knowingly. He also must remember that he does not own NNPC. This also is not a private company that owes nothing to the public except the duty of fair dealing. He is a public servant. The seat he sits upon is owned by Nigerians not by him. The company he runs is owned by Nigerians not by him. They are his boss. He is not theirs. Power is vested in the people. He is a mere custodian or agent of their will. In talking to us in such a manner, he committed an act of insubordination. If he had talked so cavalierly to his boss in the private sector, he would have been reprimanded or worse. If wise, the man should refrain from such interjections in the future.

“8.As his ultimate bosses, the people have a right to demand the requisite performance and respect from him. He should apologize for treating them so lightly in this instance. His portfolio being a strategically important one, he needs to reestablish the correct relationship with the public. They no longer feel he is working for their optimal benefit as their servant. Instead, he seems to be standing above them, telling them to take it or leave it. For his policies and stint in office to be successful and a help to this government, he must have the support and belief of the people at this tough time. He must talk to them in a way that they believe he seeks their best interest and understands the hardship weighing upon them. He must ask them to work with him and perhaps to endure a bit longer but with the knowledge that he is working to resolve this matter as fast as he can and as permanently as possible. That he is dedicated to the position that once these current lines are gone that never again shall they reappear as long as he has any influence in the matter. To do this, requires no magic nor training in that strange craft. It requires empathy, compassion and the willpower to forge a better Nigeria. These must be the common trademarks of those serving in a progressive government for these attributes are integral parts of the spirit and ideals upon which the APC was founded. Upon such notions was this administration voted into office by the Nigerian people in the operation of their sovereign will to seek a national leadership that would pursue their interests to the utmost and give them every fair chance to live in a better Nigeria.

“9.Even though times are hard we must all realize that they would be even harder and much darker would be the immediate horizon had we allowed the venal, kleptocracy of the PDP to continue to lord over the land solely for their selfish benefit and not for the common good.

“10. I am confident that President Buhari and this government can resolve the issues that press us. From establishing full security and safety to staking a claim to true economic prosperity and fairness, this government shall salvage our national pride and purpose.

“Let all of us, in and out, of government never forget this. If we adhere to this remembrance, we shall see that magic will not be needed to bring the progress we seek.

By Conor Gaffey  | Newsweek

Boko Haram’s purported leader Abubakar Shekau has appeared in an unverified video that possibly signals a change in leadership in the Nigerian militant group.

Shekau took over the leadership of Boko Haram in 2009 after the death of its founder Mohammed Yusuf. Under his leadership, the group has waged a six-year insurgency in northeastern Nigeria—which spread in 2015 to neighboring countries Cameroon , Chad and Niger—killing tens of thousands and displacing more than 2 million people.

Shekau was last heard from in March 2015, when an audio message attributed to him was released pledging Boko Haram’s allegiance to the Islamic State militant group (ISIS), after which it rebranded itself as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).In the poor-quality eight-minute video, which has been posted on social media and YouTube , Shekau is seen holding a rifle beside one of the black flags associated with ISIS. He speaks slowly and appears more frail than in previous videos. Speaking in a mixture of Arabic and the northern Nigerian language Hausa, Shekau says that the video is “a message of greeting and joy for you to see my face,” according to AFP . Shekau also appears to indicate that his leadership of the group may be coming to a close. “This is my desire: that whoever sees this will hear nothing but greetings between me and you. Only Allah knows the rest, as you believed [and] as you submitted. For me the end has come,” says the bearded leader.

The video appears to be new and legitimate, according to Yan St-Pierre, chief executive of the Berlin-based Modern Security Consulting Group (MOSECON). “He is telling his followers that he is alive. This appears to be the video preparing for the post-Shekau situation [in] Boko Haram-ISWAP,” says St-Pierre. Contrary to earlier reports that Shekau was advising his followers to surrender, St-Pierre says the message is intended to “galvanize the troops” despite losses suffered by Boko Haram over recent months.

The Nigerian military said they would examine the video to “ascertain its authenticity” in a statement reported by the BBC . The military added that the campaign against Boko Haram continued and that “every terrorist is free to surrender.”

Shekau has appeared in numerous Boko Haram videos in the past, including one displaying hundreds of girls kidnapped by the group from their dormitories in Chibok , Nigeria. The girls were kidnapped in April 2014 and 219 still remain unaccounted for. He is currently subject to a $7 million U.S. bounty .

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari claimed in December 2015 that Boko Haram had been “technically” defeated after the Nigerian military reclaimed much of the territory held by the group. Since the start of 2016, however, the group has launched multiple attacks and killed almost 200 people .

WATCH ABUBAKAR SHEKAU IN NEW VIDEO >>>

Abuja (AFP) – Nigeria has indicted over 300 companies and prominent individuals, including serving and retired military officers, for defrauding the country of millions of dollars in fake contracts, the presidency said.

The contracts are linked to former national security adviser Sambo Dasuki, who served under former president Goodluck Jonathan from June 2012 until his sacking in July last year by current premier Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari took office last May and has since launched a crackdown on endemic graft with some high-profile arrests made over the fictitious arms contracts to fight Boko Haram worth some $2 billion and also linked to the former spy master.

A separate committee was set up to investigate other deals awarded by Dasuki, 60, between 2011 and 2015.

“Over seven billion naira ($5 million) has been recovered so far from the indicted companies and individuals,” the presidency said in a statement, adding that another 41 billion naira is due to be paid back soon.

“The committee further established that one of the indicted companies, Societe D’Equipment International was overpaid to the tune of 7.9 million euros and $7.09 million,” it said.

The statement said that contracts were awarded under Dasuki “without any contractual agreement or evidence of jobs executed”.

“The committee further discovered that some companies failed to meet up their tax obligations for contracts executed,” it added.

Dasuki is already facing charges for the possession of illegal weapons, as well as allegedly diverting millions of dollars meant for security to the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party to finance Jonathan’s bid for re-election.